How genes affect breast cancer risk and outcomes in African American people
Genetic Variation in Cancer Risk and Outcomes in African Americans
This project looks for inherited and tumor gene changes that may explain breast cancer risk and outcomes in African American survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11287871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a large group of African American breast cancer survivors from Detroit and share family history, medical records, and blood or tumor samples. Researchers will analyze inherited (germline) genetic variants, tumor (somatic) changes, gene expression, and family structures using bioinformatics to find high-risk mutations and important variants. The team will compare people with single versus multiple primary cancers and relate genetic findings to clinical outcomes. The goal is to use those findings to improve genetic counseling and clinical care for African American patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are African American individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those diagnosed at a young age, with strong family histories, or with multiple primary cancers.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer, non–African American individuals, or those unwilling to provide medical records or biological samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at high hereditary risk and guide better screening, genetic counseling, and treatment for African American breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic testing has already improved hereditary cancer care broadly, but studies focused on African American populations are fewer and this project builds on earlier successes while filling important gaps.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwartz, Ann G. — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Schwartz, Ann G.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.